The Truth About Using Studio Monitors as TV Speakers

Using Studio Monitors As TV Speakers

Sometimes, knowing what you can and cannot do with audio and video equipment can be challenging.

You might regret the decision if you don’t know the ins and outs of using studio monitors as TV speakers.

I have used studio monitors as TV speakers in the past. So I have a good idea of how to do so and if you should.

In this article, we will see if you can/should use studio monitors as TV speakers.

Can Studio Monitors Be Used As TV Speakers?

This depends on whether or not your TV has audio outputs that you can use to send the TV’s audio signal to an audio interface/directly to a pair of studio monitors. 

For example, two of the TVs in my house have audio outputs. Still, one of the other cheaper TVs I use for an additional monitor in my home studio has no options for audio output. 

If your TV has an audio output, you will likely be able to connect it to a studio monitor pair.

Should You Use Studio Monitors As TV Speakers?

No, it would be best if you did not use studio monitors as TV speakers unless you have to due to your TV’s speakers blowing out or something like this.

This is because not all speakers are equal and have different intended uses. 

Remember, studio monitors, are for audio/music production and not other purposes such as TV speakers. Just because you can do it, it doesn’t mean you should.

How To Connect Studio Monitors To A TV

Let’s look at how you can connect studio monitor speakers to a TV if you wish to do so.

Step One – Find Your TVs Audio Outputs

The first step for connecting your TV to studio monitors is determining whether or not your TV has audio outputs and locating them.

To do this, look on your TV’s back or side and find its input/output section. Once you have found this, take note of your TV’s audio output options.

If you are unsure what you’re looking at, go online and find the owner’s manual for your TV. It will likely have a labeled diagram telling you the TV’s options for audio output.

Check out the three TVs in my house, and you will notice that…

The first one has options for optical as well as RCA audio output. 

The second one has options for 3.5mm and RCA audio output.

The third TV has no audio output options at all. 

This shows that connecting studio monitors to your TV is a case-by-case issue, and you should pay attention to ensure you get the right cables. 

Step Two – Find Your Studio Monitors/Audio Interface’s Inputs

Next, check out your studio monitors or audio interface and see their input options. 

For example, my studio monitors have a combo jack input, which means they can accept ¼” TRS and XLR cable connections. 

Again, refer to your owner’s manual if you need help figuring this out.

Now that we know our various connection options for our studio monitors and TV, we can move on and figure out how to connect them.

Step Three – Figure Out and Purchase The Required Cable

It’s time to determine what cable you need to connect your studio monitors to your TV.

For example, if you want to use your TV’s 3.5mm/AUX output port and connect it to the XLR inputs on your studio monitors, you could use a 3.5mm TRS to dual XLR cable.

Or you could use your TV’s RCA outputs and connect to your studio monitors’ ¼” inputs if you go with an RCA to dual 1/4″ TS cable.

What if your TV only has optical outputs? Then you might need to buy something like this that will allow you to turn your optical audio signal into an RCA/¼” audio signal. The other option would be to use your audio interface (if it has an optical audio input).

As long as your TV has audio outputs, there will be a way to connect your studio monitors to it. It’s a matter of finding the cables/any additional gear that you might need to get the job done. 

Step Four – Connect Your TV To Your Studio Monitors and Adjust Levels As You See Fit

Now that you have the cables you need to connect your studio monitors to your TV, all that’s left is to wire them up. You can adjust the volume levels using your TV and studio monitors’ volume controls. 

Once you find a good balance between the two volume controls, you are all done and ready to use your studio monitors as TV speakers!

Using Active Or Passive Speakers With A TV

You can use either active or passive monitors with a TV. Still, you will need a power amplifier with your studio monitors if you choose passive ones. 

Whether you want to use active or passive speakers with your TV is up to you. Just remember you will need extra equipment if you use passive monitors. 

Do You Need Additional Equipment To Connect Studio Monitors To A TV?

In most cases, cables are the only additional equipment you will need to connect your studio monitors to a TV. 

However, as I’ve said, if you have passive studio monitors, you will also need a power amplifier to provide power to your studio monitor speakers. 

In some cases, you may also need an audio converter device, but this depends on your specific case and probably isn’t something you need. 

Do TV Monitors Have Speakers?

Suppose you buy a television monitor with a home studio or gaming setup. In that case, chances are it won’t have speakers because the manufacturer assumes that you will connect your own audio system. 

However, this is sometimes the case, so research your needs before investing in a TV monitor. There are plenty of TV monitors on the market that do have speakers.

Also, suppose you are looking for a TV monitor with speakers. In that case, you can always invest in a regular consumer television for watching movies and television. There are better choices than this in some situations, but it can work in some cases. 

Related Questions

Final Words

As you have seen, you can use studio monitors as speakers if your TV has options for audio output.

However, although it is possible, I do not recommend it since studio monitor speakers are for audio/music production and not the playback of television audio.

Studio monitors do not necessarily have the right sound profile for use as TV speakers, so you should think twice about using them for this purpose.